Urbanna Oyster Festival slated for Nov. 1 and 2

An evolution of Urbanna Days that began in 1957, the Urbanna Oyster Festival as it is known today hosts more than 50,000 people in the one-square mile town of Urbanna over two days — this year it is Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1–2. Visitors flock from all over the state, and outside of it too, to celebrate the oyster!

In 1988 it was designated as the “official” oyster festival of the Commonwealth and it maintains that title today.

Two vintage warbirds buzz the concert crowd at the town marina while trailing smoke during the 2023 festival. Photo by Don Richeson

Come by boat or come by land! The charming Town of Urbanna closes its streets for this big celebration of everything oyster.

April and Michael Jernigan of Hampton get ready to enjoy a second helping of oysters at the Middlesex Kiwanis Club tent last year. Photo by Tom Chillemi

It’s a “foodie” heaven, featuring more than 50 food vendors and every kind of oyster — raw, steamed, roasted, Rockefeller, fried, stewed, oysters in a pot pie – festival food fare like barbecue and crab bisque.

Scuffletown’s John Whitlow, left, and Marc Carraway entertain “Scuffleheads” crowds at Urbanna Town Marina with some impressive harmonica and steel guitar playing during the 2023 festival. Photo by Don Richeson

Arts and crafts, antique auto show, children’s activities and live bands are spread throughout the town. The town marina offers historical boats and exhibits on the conservation of the Chesapeake Bay, watermen and the oyster industry.

The Fireman’s Parade is 7 p.m. Nov. 1 and the Oyster Festival Parade is 2 p.m. Nov. 2. It’s hometown fun with “the Shriners,” marching bands, beauty queens and floats.

Don’t miss the oyster shucking contest behind the firehouse at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 2.

There are areas for Virginia wine tasting and craft brew tastings for folks 21 and older. Parking is $20 for each day. For information, call 758-2122.

Rivah Visitor's Guide Staff
Rivah Visitor's Guide Staffhttps://www.rivahguide.com
The Rivah Visitor’s Guide provides information about places to go and things to do throughout the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula of Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay region, from the York River to the Potomac River.

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